Third place in Tanunda and fourth in Lobethal. Biniam Girmay started the Tour Down Under, with two good classifications, but the Eritrean from Intermarché-Wanty, expected to fight for victory this Wednesday, however, his last kilometer was far from perfect.
Clash with Alaphilippe
Girmay had a collision with Julian Alaphilippe just before the sprint, around 500 meters from the finish, he told Cyclingnews after the second stage. “I hit him, I think close to the foot. I ended up losing a lot of speed and wasn’t able to do the sprint, as I would have liked. But in the end, Del Toro was the strongest, I think.”
Victory for Mexican phenomenon and blue shirt
The victory went to Mexican talent Isaac Del Toro, who surprised the reduced field with a fulminant attack. Girmay finished fourth, but expected more. “I did my best to survive the final and for that I am disappointed. We also didn’t have enough cyclists to control the race.”
Girmay, 23 years old, owner of the blue jersey in the points classification, after two stages, will have two more chances of success. On Thursday and Friday it will be the sprinters’ turn. “These steps, starting with tomorrow, are easier. There will still be opportunities”, the Eritrean remains optimistic.
